BMI Sampler Series Helps Jump-Start Careers

BMI’s New Music Sampler has met with overwhelming industry approval since its launch in early 2002. The New Music Sampler was conceived in partnership with CD manufacturer Disc Makers as a showcase outlet for BMI’s emerging songwriting talent. This year’s sampler series consists of four samplers that feature music from almost every musical genre represented by BMI. The first release of the year focused on the rock/pop area, the second disc, released in conjunction with Black Music Month, focused on urban music, the third disc will feature offerings from BMI’s Latin writers, and the fourth will be a combination of musical styles. The diversity of the Sampler Series spotlights BMI as an organization that truly represents the entire musical spectrum.

Goneblind

The Working Title

Since inception, the Sampler Series has proven to be a career-enhancing opportunity for the BMI affiliates who have been chosen to participate. The artist/songwriters who were selected by the BMI writer/publisher staffs from around the globe were chosen based on a combination of talent and commercial viability. BMI artist/songwriters who have gone on to sign major label or publishing deals after appearing on the Sampler Series are Echo 7 (Indegoot/Universal), Jay Mathis (EMI Music Publishing), Joshua Bennett (Private/RCA), Goneblind (Roadrunner), The Working Title (Universal), Angela McClusky (Blue Note), Charlie Mars (V2), Jeremy Gregory (APRA/BMI) (Warner Brothers) and Maryanne Marino (Lava). Other artist/songwriters of note that have appeared on the Sampler Series are Australian indie outfit The Waifs (APRA/BMI), currently on tour with Bob Dylan; singer/songwriter Mieka Pauley, winner of the BMI Rockboat Contest, who is wowing college audiences across the country; and r&b/soul sensation Bliss, who is currently co-writing with the Grammy Award-winning songwriter Carl “Chucky” Thompson.

The BMI New Music Sampler is a result of a strategic alliance with Disc Makers, a full-service CD manufacturing company. Disc Makers provides a multitude of marketing options for independent artists, including customized package design, promotional materials and post-production. BMI affiliates are eligible for discounts on various Disc Maker products, such as EPKs, DVD reproduction and fulfillment services. A 10% discount is available for any purchase totaling less than 3,000 in quantity, while orders in excess of 3,000 pieces receive a 5% discount. For more information on Disc Makers services, log on to www.discmakers.com or go to the Platinum Privileges area of bmi.com.

The BMI New Music Sampler Series is distributed to music professionals across the country. The Sampler Series is also available at bmi.com in the Listening Room area with direct links to each of the artist’s websites. Future sampler initiatives are currently underway, as BMI continues to look for innovative ways to give emerging affiliates a leg up in one of the most highly competitive businesses in the world. Be sure to watch for the next sampler, which will feature BMI Latin artists.